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Mental Health Bill [HL]

I thank the Minister for that careful reply. I must confess to being puzzled why it is possible in so many jurisdictions of the world to respect the autonomy of patients in expressing a view in advance—especially when they have already had a breakdown and make the effort to sit down with clinicians to say what has been helpful to them—and to have their wishes respected. It seems that that is perfectly possible north of the Border, and I remain disappointed that there is such opposition to the idea being accepted in this country. For the moment, I shall go away to think about that. I recognise that there may be some difficulties with the drafting of the amendment. I hope that we will find some way to recognise that mental health patients should have their wishes respected, especially when they are well. Perhaps we shall come back with an amendment at Report but, meanwhile, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clause 12 agreed to. Clause 13 [Amendments to other provisions of 1983 Act]: